The Board of Industrial Training (BIT) is looking to roll out scaffolding training as part of efforts to address accidents linked to working at heights in Guyana’s construction sector, with support from a recent equipment donation by SBM Offshore Guyana.
SBM Offshore Guyana on March 30 donated scaffolding equipment to BIT, at one of the organization’s training centers in Mahaica, marking the company’s first such donation in the country. The company engaged Panthera Solutions to ensure the equipment meets required industry standards and is suitable for safe training and use.
The move comes as incidents involving falls from height threaten lives locally, often tied to unsafe scaffolding practices and the absence of formal training. The advancement of the oil and gas sector in Guyana has helped boost safety practices and foster a more cautious culture.
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Panthera Solutions Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Mendes, highlighted the scale of the issue, noting that “40% of the industrial accidents are from injuries or deaths working at height.” He outlined the severity of even short falls, explaining that “if you fall from just six feet it’s 8,000 pounds of force applied to the body.”
Mendes pointed to unsafe practices observed across the country, noting that poorly secured scaffolding and the use of improvised materials remain common. He added, “It scares me when I drive around and I see the scaffolding… it’s not properly tied off… using wooden boards.”
He explained that the initiative is designed to address those gaps through a combination of equipment, training and standards. He said, “It’s more than just providing equipment. It’s also the training and the capacity building so that we ensure we deliver something that really benefits the wider society.” Mendes noted that the effort will include support for instructor development, with training extended to lecturers to build capacity within the education system.
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SBM Offshore Guyana’s Local Content Lead, Gary Fraser, framed the initiative around workforce readiness and access to opportunity. He explained, “Today is not just about the handover of equipment. It is about access. It is about opportunity. And it is about ensuring that more Guyanese move from observing the work to leading it.”
Chief Executive Officer of BIT, Richard Maughn, linked the initiative to both safety and skills development. He stated, “It’s more than scaffolding. It’s about safe living. It’s about building skills and strengthening Guyana’s workforce.” He added that “too many individuals” continue to fall from heights, reinforcing the need for stronger safety practices.
Chairman of BIT, Kathy Smith, emphasized the importance of preparing Guyanese to safely participate in the country’s development. She stated, “What we don’t want Guyanese to be is just to be present in the development and observe the development. We want Guyanese to be prepared.”
Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Keoma Griffith, placed the initiative within the broader push to improve workplace safety. He said, “There is no development without people. And we will not be able to enjoy our development unless we put safety first.”
SBM Offshore Guyana’s donation continues the company’s push for safety and adherence to HSSE standards locally.
